Any genuine fashion enthusiast realizes that when those F/W collections debut in stores, the credit cards tend to take a hit. The most awaited collections of the year begin to show up in shops around August/September, and every girl will attest that winter fashion is far more eagerly awaited than summer collections, simply due to the delightful experience of layering outfits, accessorizing with scarves and gloves, and oh those autumn/winter jackets and coats. Certainly, we all adore a floral summer dress, linen shorts, and sunhats, but somehow the emphasis shifts more towards the season itself rather than the styling.
For me, it all began at the age of 12, as my family was vacationing in Monaco, as we did every year. As July turned to August, my mom started taking us for our fall/winter shopping, and this particular year felt a bit more special for me. I was going to buy my shoes at the adult shoe shop, which meant I could potentially snag some heels to flaunt in front of my friends. Did I mention that not all of them were allowed to wear heels yet? We headed to the Metropole Shopping Centre, and in I went… I came out with five pairs of shoes and boots, two of which were genuine heels. I still vividly recall these khaki, matte leather, distressed army-combat style boots featuring a thick block heel hovering around 7cm. I was literally in ecstasy… it felt as though I had just landed the greatest deal on Earth and soared to the moon and back. Yes, I was already a major fashion devotee. I can’t quite remember the brand of those boots or the other four pairs I purchased, but I do remember that as soon as we got home, I styled all my boots with the winter garments we bought earlier. Wool midi skirts and turtlenecks, jeans with heavy buckles—which are indeed making a comeback this year—open knit sweaters, shearling jackets, and gilets; at least those are the pieces that stick in my mind. I was so thrilled, envisioning myself wearing all my perfectly styled looks. Little did I realize that it would be another month or two before I could actually wear them. Let me tell you, the waiting was excruciating; it still is.
As an adult, not much has changed for me. Perhaps the sense of time has evolved slightly – a month no longer feels like an eternity, but living in a place like London, September is quite warm, so it was torturous watching new knits and thigh-high boots just sitting idly in the corner waiting for the weather to adjust, likely to be worn by mid-October at the earliest. And once again… little did I know… fast forward a few years, and I end up in Cyprus. A stunning island, no denying that. However, this is where winter fashion seemingly goes to die… For someone with my aforementioned history, this was a cruel twist of fate. Summer here stretches all the way into November, and I assure you I had nearly forgotten what the term ‘boots’ even signified at that moment. Utterly disheartened, uncertain of how to navigate this new reality, I decided it was time to think outside the box.
Normally, I found it quite absurd to see a girl strutting around in tall boots during the spring/summer months, but how else can you wear F/W collections in 30 degrees Celsius?! Wearing a pair of boots with a t-shirt and shorts can not only satisfy your craving for that newly acquired fall/winter item, but also add a distinct edge or finishing touch to your outfit. A personal favorite ensemble of mine is a silk summer dress paired with cowboy or biker boots. The look may be considered cliché by some, however, it is a fantastic way to incorporate fall fashion in hot weather. This approach can also be adapted to a more formal aesthetic if tall boots are paired with an elegant evening dress.
An essential tip to maximize your F/W wardrobe before it goes on sale is by layering your purchases. Indeed, an important element of layering is being mindful of the fabrics; to wear knitted garments, one must layer them correctly over silk and cotton, ensuring that the appropriate materials are used. For instance, mohair knits should always be combined with silk or satin, whether it be a dress or a top and skirt, since unless worn alone, mohair will shed fibers onto cotton, denim, and nearly every other fabric. If paired incorrectly, when you remove your top layer, you’ll find yourself covered in little fibers, owing to the characteristics of this beautiful knitwear. It’s hot yet just breezy enough to allow for a stylish cardigan; I wouldn’t recommend anything else—a cardigan remains open and is more suitably designed for October in Cyprus.
Jersey, cashmere, and cotton blends are excellent fabrics to combine.
